It used to be that the term was ‘cash for questions’ well not anymore. I have news!
We are told that to remain stationary is bad for your health and with that in mind I often partake in a walk around Comms Towers, both inside and out. I find it rejuvenates the legs, heart and mind. That said it is not so great for business too much time away from my desk. However, I have just read that I could now earn money when I walk. Here’s how!
A digital crypto-currency has been launched that is generated by human movement. Bitwalking dollars will be earned by walking, unlike other digital currencies such as Bitcoins that are “mined” by computers.
How does it work? Well, it would appear that a phone application counts and verifies users’ steps, with walkers earning approximately 1 BW$ for about 10,000 steps (about five miles). Much like our Comms Data Points, users will be given a chance to spend what they earn in an online store.
The founders of the project, Nissan Bahar and Franky Imbesi have attracted more than $10m (£6.6m) of initial funding from mainly Japanese investors to help launch the currency and create the bank that verifies steps and any transfers.
The founders also intend for users steps to be transferred into cash and are currently in talks in with a UK high street bank. Japanese electronics giant Murata is working on a wearable wristband that will provide an alternative to carrying a smartphone and show how many BW$ the wearer has earned.
Surely shoe designers will also be keen on the idea? The more shoe leather worn, the more benefits are spread.
On a serious note, BW$ could also aid the developing world. In poorer countries where people often walk to work, school or sadly for water, this could transform lives. It is estimated that an average user in the poorer nations could earn 25 BW$ a month compare that to their monthly salary and you can quickly see the benefits.
I sincerely hope that companies help support this initiative. Many support their employees partaking in sports so the BW would seem a natural fit.
“It’s a currency that can be earned by anyone regardless of who they are and where they live,” says founder Franky Imbesi.
“For some, it will be a free cup of coffee a week perhaps offered by local businesses to encourage people to explore their local shops. For others, it could be a game-changer, transforming their lives by enabling them to earn and trade in the same way with the rest of the world.
“And all while encouraging us to protect the planet and stay healthy.”
I am going to watch developments of BitWalking and most certainly wish it well.
Until next time…
